Palestinian Envoy says ‘israel’ Weaponizing Gaza Aid at International Court of Justice
A Palestinian representative has addressed the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of utilizing humanitarian aid as a "weapon of war" amid the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by Israel's prolonged blockade.
Palestinian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Ammar Hijazi, made a statement in The Hague on Monday, asserting that starvation has become a reality and that humanitarian aid is being weaponized in the ongoing conflict.
“Israel is accused of starving, killing, and displacing Palestinians while also allegedly targeting and obstructing humanitarian organizations attempting to save lives,” he stated.
The Palestinian envoy delivered comments coinciding with the commencement of hearings at the International Court of Justice. This session, prompted by a 2024 request from the United Nations General Assembly, aims to assess Israel’s obligations concerning the humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza.
Hijazi reported that Israel has consistently blocked the entry of humanitarian supplies and fuel into Gaza. The Israeli Supreme Court has upheld this blockade, dismissing numerous petitions for aid. This has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with reports of starvation-related fatalities.
Irish legal expert Blinne Ni Ghralaigh, representing Palestine at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stated that “Israel’s actions are considered genocidal, as determined by the UN Commission of Inquiry and widely supported by the human rights community.”
Israel persists in obstructing UN-mandated investigatory teams from accessing Gaza, all the while dismantling and concealing evidence related to alleged violations.
Throughout the week, a series of hearings will take place where representatives from 38 countries, including the United States, China, France, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, will present their positions before a 15-judge panel. The primary focus is to assess the alignment of Israel’s actions with international law.
The League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the African Union are set to present their arguments concerning Israel’s responsibilities in facilitating the delivery of aid into Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), commonly referred to as the World Court, has been instructed by the United Nations to deliver an advisory opinion “on a priority basis and with the utmost urgency.”
Though the ruling is nonbinding, it is likely to increase pressure on Israel, as an expanding number of international legal bodies have issued verdicts opposing its actions.
On October 7, 2023, Israel initiated a military operation in Gaza, characterized by a full siege on the area, in response to Hamas’s undertaking of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. This action by Hamas was described as a retaliation for what they claim as intensified actions by Israel against the Palestinian population.
In January, the Israeli authorities were compelled to enter into a ceasefire agreement with Hamas after failing to meet their primary objectives, which included the dismantling of the Palestinian resistance group and the release of detainees.
Israel halted the provision of food, medical supplies, and other aid to the 2.3 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip on March 2, mere weeks ahead of ending the two-month ceasefire and the prisoner exchange agreement.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, a total of 52,314 Palestinians have lost their lives, with an additional 117,792 sustaining injuries since October 7, 2023.
